3.1 vs. 5.1 - which one?

[phillyrx]

so everytime i want to pull the trigger on a 5.1, i debate whether or not i should just get a 3.1. reasons for doing so are: looks neater (speakers not everywhere), no wires to worry about, and possibly less cost.

i have been currently living off the audio from my aquos 46' tv, and haven't had too much of an issue, but would like better sound. so i don't need an amazing system or whatnot, just something to give an upgraded sound from just tv audio.

i still have a budget of $560ish for the system to pair with my onkyo 605 receiver. so my question is, do you think its possible that i'd be happy with a 3.1 system considering that i'm kinda okay with just the tv audio alone? also, any good 3.1 setups you recommend (want better than htib sound, but nothing crazy)? also, size is important so bookshelves would be preferable. i CANNOT have floorstanding speakers... i'm okay with the bigger (10") sub though

if it helps... 99% of use will be for watching movies, tv, and playing wii... very little on music alone...

thanks so much, and i apologize for all the questions!

[mazersteven]

How long will it take you to save another $400 bucks if you want 5.1?

SVS SBS-01
http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-sbs_black.cfm

Or if not. I recommend getting

SVS SBS-01 Pair - Black $225
SVS SCS-01 Center - Black $185
http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-sbs01.cfm

plus this sub

Dayton SUB-120 12" 150 Watt Powered Subwoofer $148
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=300-635


Total is $558 plus shipping.

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I say just get this $400/pr Tower from AV123 for now:

http://av123.com/index.php?page=shop...mart&Itemid=37

Then when you get more money, get a $430 SVS sub:

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm

Then when you get more budget, get a $200 AV123 Center speaker:

http://av123.com/index.php?page=shop...mart&Itemid=37

Then later $300/pr surround speakers:

http://av123.com/index.php?page=shop...mart&Itemid=37

[j_garcia]

I agree with going 3.1 at first and adding the others later as budget permits. It is a better path long term IMO.

[aberkowitz]

I would say that even 2.1 is a good temporary solution. I lived with 2.1 for several years when I had roommates and had my "home theater" setup in my bedroom. I found that having the sub was a better investment (for both movies and music) than the center channel.

[rnatalli]

Yup, 2.1 or 3.1 and upgrade later.

[phillyrx]

How long will it take you to save another $400 bucks if you want 5.1?

SVS SBS-01
http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-sbs_black.cfm

Or if not. I recommend getting

SVS SBS-01 Pair - Black $225
SVS SCS-01 Center - Black $185
http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-sbs01.cfm

plus this sub

Dayton SUB-120 12" 150 Watt Powered Subwoofer $148
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=300-635


Total is $558 plus shipping.

thanks for the response mazer! i think i'm leaning the 3.1 rute for now also. the one thing i seem to hear is to spend a good chunk on the sub. in your option, you have most going to the fronts. in your opinion, or anyone for that matter, which is most important? thanks!

[phillyrx]

I say just get this $400/pr Tower from AV123 for now:

http://av123.com/index.php?page=shop...mart&Itemid=37

Then when you get more money, get a $430 SVS sub:

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm

Then when you get more budget, get a $200 AV123 Center speaker:

http://av123.com/index.php?page=shop...mart&Itemid=37

Then later $300/pr surround speakers:

http://av123.com/index.php?page=shop...mart&Itemid=37

acudeftechguy - as much as i'd like to do that... we have so many home improvments, that my budget for a home theatre is gonna be in the $560ish range for a couple of years. given that, i'd like to get at least a 3.1 for that price. i understand this won't be ideal, but i can easily live with that... thanks for the help!

[mazersteven]

thanks for the response mazer! i think i'm leaning the 3.1 rute for now also. the one thing i seem to hear is to spend a good chunk on the sub. in your option, you have most going to the fronts. in your opinion, or anyone for that matter, which is most important? thanks!

IMO I recommended the best system for sound quality for your budget. Your fronts are the main speakers for any system.

[phillyrx]

IMO I recommended the best system for sound quality for your budget. Your fronts are the main speakers for any system.

any thoughts on the svs you recommend vs. psb alphas that i hear so much about?